Softball Bat Testing

All softball bats should be tested prior to purchase.

Before a player decides which softball bat to buy, he should try testing it to see if it meets his satisfaction. Some sporting goods stores have areas dedicated to trying out the equipment. There are some key points of evaluation for these bats.

Weight

The best way to test a new softball bat for weight is to hold it in your dominant hand with the bat parallel to the ground. If your hand or arm begins to shake right away, the bat is too heavy. If you can move the bat easily, it may be too light. Younger players should generally stick with lighter bats.

Length

Bat length is another important factor to consider. A shorter bat will cut through the hitting zone faster, but will miss pitches that longer bats can reach with ease. Longer bats take longer to carry through the hitting zone, making it more difficult to catch up to faster pitches. Younger players will likely manage a smaller bat better, while older players should have no trouble using longer bats.

Grip

Not all bat grips are the same. Some softball bats come with slick grips that make it easy for a player to slide his hands up or down the bat shaft, which helps for shortening the swing but can make the bat slippery. Tacky grips are easier to hold onto but make bunting or choking up more difficult.

References

• Hit Run Score: Softball Bat Buyer's Guide
• Dick's Sporting Goods: Softball Bat Buyer's Guide